Summer with the Long Island Team: How Our Therapists Recharge and Relax
- Gordon Gooding
- 4 hours ago
- 7 min read
Summer is finally here, and if you’re out and about in our local communities—whether grabbing an ice in Port Jefferson, walking in downtown Northport, or catching some live music at Cedar Beach—you just might bump into one of our clinicians!
We recently asked our local, Long Island team of therapists to share a few of their favorite seasonal traditions, go-to treats, and personal strategies for unwinding. It turns out that while our perfect mornings and playlists might look a little different, we all share a deep belief in the power of stepping away from the daily rush. Read on to meet the team behind the scenes, grab a few local recommendations, and discover some wonderful advice on how to truly experience the season while it's here.
Gordon Gooding - Director/Founder/Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Where we may find Gordon this summer: At the beach, on a boat, in my Jeep, or right here in Cold Spring Harbor.
Gordon's perfect summer morning: Enjoying coffee on my deck with the dogs.
Gordon’s summer soundtrack: Jimmy Buffet, Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Jack Johnson are always the soundtrack to my day, and yet, sometimes there is nothing better than silence.
Gordon’s summer treats: Any day that includes a lobster roll is a good day!
Gordon’s summer advice: “Many of us have gotten so used to being productive, responsible, and constantly available that slowing down can actually feel uncomfortable at first. But rest isn’t laziness, it’s part of what helps us stay emotionally healthy, connected, and present for the people we love. Long Island summers go by quickly, and there’s something important about allowing ourselves to actually experience it while it’s here instead of rushing through it.”
Peter Juliano - Associate Director/Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Where we may find Peter this summer: Walking my dog, Leila in downtown Northport.
Peter's perfect summer morning: Drinking coffee and walking in Northport, or laying in bed and listening to the rain with my wife.
Peter's summer soundtrack: Eagles essentials, Jimmy Buffet, and audiobooks on psychology.
Peter’s summer treats: Lobster rolls and bang-bang shrimp with a lemonade or iced matcha latte.
Peter's summer advice: “Slow down and take it one step at a time. It's ok to relax. Relaxing does not mean you are lazy or unproductive. Relaxing in a balanced way, makes us more productive and more effective. Take time to 'Sharpen the saw'."
Liana Ross - Clinical Director/Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Where we may find Liana this summer: At the park with my family followed by grabbing pizza outside, and an evening finished with Ralph's Ices in Port Jefferson.
Liana's perfect summer morning: Getting ready for the beach with a deli sandwich and iced coffee in hand.
Liana’s summer soundtrack: Noah Kahan's new album.
Liana’s summer treats: Ralph's ices or Carvel ice cream.
Liana’s summer advice: "Get outside! Sit outside! It truly boosts your mood, whether it be during the day or at night. Remember, taking time to relax helps refuel our tank for the busier days to come."
Lisa Current - Clinical Director/Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Where we may find Lisa this summer: Hiking in a local nature preserve, attending a play at the Vanderbilt mansion, or on a date at a local restaurant with my husband.
Lisa's perfect summer morning: A quiet morning on my patio, listening to the birds, watching the pollinators visit my potted plants, chatting with my family, doing some mental puzzles, and swimming in the pool.
Lisa’s summer treats: Iced tea or lemonade with some mint are my favorite drinks. We have a garden, so I eat a lot of cucumber and tomato concoctions over the summer!
Lisa’s summer advice: "Summer can be a perfect time to find a family member/good friend to watch your kids for a night so you and your partner can have a much needed weekend away! Relaxing with your partner can bring extra benefits. Create a ritual around relaxing together on the hammock each Sunday, cuddling on the couch after the kids go to bed, etc. It will help you and your relationship!"
Marialaina Taldi - Clinical Coordinator/Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Where we may find Marialaina this summer: The Roosevelt Field mall arcade, the local park, the beach boardwalk.
Marialaina's perfect summer morning: Bagel sandwiches at the beach or a walk around my town.
Marialaina’s summer soundtrack: Morgan Wallen and Nikmoody.
Marialaina’s summer treats: Ralph’s ices or Carvel ice cream. A hot dog and cheeseburger.
Marialaina’s summer advice: "Enjoy the small moments in life, the little things that we tend to overlook regularly - embrace them and be present. It may be hard for some people to relax because you can feel like you’re not doing enough and you’re 'wasting time'. Whatever you 'have to do' will still be there tomorrow, in an hour, in 20 minutes. If we don’t spend time relaxing and decompressing we cannot show up for our clients at full capacity. If I’m pouring out of an empty glass how can I help anyone else? Practice what I preach."
Where we may find Greg this summer: Shooting hoops in the park/gym.
Greg's perfect summer morning: On vacation in Maine, sitting by the lake with a book enjoying the peace and quiet.
Greg’s summer soundtrack: The music of my youth, 90's grunge rock, or some classic rock, like Led Zeppelin for some motivation, and when I want to just relax, Vance Joy.
Greg’s summer treats: Hot dogs on the grill, quick and easy!
Greg's summer advice: "Don't overthink it, sometimes we put pressure on ourselves to relax and it ends up backfiring. For me the most relaxing days are the ones that just happen without any planning; just going for a drive and seeing where the day will take me. It's ok to take a day and do absolutely nothing, sometimes we need that."
Mario DeLisi - Licensed Master Social Worker
Where we may find Mario this summer: At Hoyt Farm, walking the streets of downtown Northport, in the ocean or pool, the movies, and bowling alley with my kids.
Mario's perfect summer morning: Getting up without an alarm clock, having a cup of coffee and relaxing outside, enjoying the calm summer day.
Mario’s summer soundtrack: A collection of what is on my Amazon playlist.
Mario’s summer treats: A good old hamburger and hot dogs and brats!
Mario’s summer advice: "Life is hard, but the progress we make throughout the years is part of the journey. Try and surround yourself with people that you want to be with, laugh more, smile more, and try and strike up conversations with others. Be curious by asking questions and seeing where the conversation goes. Summer is a time to slow down, enjoy the sights. Try and be productive but on your own time line without rushing. Make a goal and see if you can complete it by the end of summer."
Amanda Pustorino - Supervisor/Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Where we may find Amanda this summer: Biking on the boardwalk or reading on the beach.
Amanda's perfect summer morning: A bike ride down the boardwalk to get a coffee and enjoying the salt air!
Amanda’s summer soundtrack: A self-help podcast.
Amanda’s summer treats: Sweetened ice tea.
Amanda’s summer advice: "Sometimes we feel 'guilty' for relaxing when we know there is a lot to do. Pausing to relax is an important way to take care of our mental health even when things feel too busy! Take all things one day at a time. Feelings are like waves, they come and go."
Lauren Pagan - Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Where we may find Lauren this summer: Either at the beach or a cute coffee shop.
Lauren's perfect summer morning: Not rushing anywhere and enjoying the sunshine with a good book.
Lauren’s summer soundtrack: Either an audiobook or Taylor Swift.
Lauren’s summer treats: Ice Cream!
Lauren’s summer advice: "Get fresh air and take a break; mostly everything can wait. Even if you’re relaxing instead of doing something you 'should' to be doing, you’re recharging to have yourself come back stronger and more prepared, so really you are doing something you 'should' be doing."
Christine Olympia - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Where we may find Christine this summer: At Cedar Beach enjoying the weather or the live bands.
Christine's perfect summer morning: Reading a thriller novel on the beach with my friends.
Christine’s summer soundtrack: Zac Bryan.
Christine’s summer treats: Filet Mignon and roasted corn on the grill.
Christine’s summer advice: "Sometimes doing the simple and relaxing things are more meaningful than jam-packing our days with activities. It doesn't have to be productive! Find the joys in the small things and let go of the guilt."
Jessica Baehr - Office Assistant
Where we may find Jess this summer: At Tobay beach, on a hike at Harriman State Park, or at the fishing pier in Oyster Bay.
Jess's perfect summer morning: Sitting with a cup of coffee and journaling. Not having to rush and get the kids to school.
Jess’s summer soundtrack: Tom Petty, Grateful Dead, or some of my favorite podcasts like "Ask Lisa" or "Hidden Brain".
Jess’s summer treats: Iced coffee in the afternoon.
Jess’s summer advice: "You don't have to 'earn' relaxation. Take it when you need it and make time for it every day. It looks different for everyone. Do what works for you - whether it's sitting indoors, working out, or stepping outside for a breath of fresh air. I like to remind myself that not everything has to get done all at once. We can chip away at things little by little and eventually we will see big results. I remind myself of this when my to-do list is long or the house is disorganized."
At the end of the day, there’s no single "right" way to spend a Long Island summer. Whether your perfect day looks like a packed itinerary at the beach or a quiet afternoon doing absolutely nothing, the most important thing is that it refuels your tank.
We hope our team's rituals and reminders help to grant yourself a little extra grace to slow down over the coming weeks. See you out there in the community—and don't forget to pause and enjoy that lobster roll or Ralph's ice along the way!
Submitted by Gordon Gooding, LCSW
Summer with our Long Island Therapists
Summer with our Long Island therapists
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